Lewis Hamilton’s final Formula 1 season with Mercedes was far from the fairytale ending many had hoped for, though he still managed to deliver two impressive victories before bidding farewell.
His historic ninth British Grand Prix win offered a shining highlight, giving both Mercedes and the fans a special moment to remember. It was a fitting conclusion to an 11-year partnership as Lewis Hamilton bowed out in style. However, the mood turned sour at the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where team boss Toto Wolff could barely contain his frustration after Hamilton suffered the ignominy of being eliminated in Q1 during his last outing for the Silver Arrows.
The seven-time World Champion will now embark on a fresh chapter with Ferrari, joining forces with Charles Leclerc to chase a title that has eluded the Scuderia for what will be 17 long years. Nico Rosberg has already voiced concerns that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari might turn out to be a tough watch, particularly if his performance continues to decline. Hamilton is keenly aware of his need to improve his qualifying pace in 2025; without doing so, he risks leaving himself with insurmountable challenges during race day.
Lucas di Grassi explains why he’d ‘never sign’ Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari
Hamilton’s Ferrari deal includes an initial two-year term, with the option for an additional year in 2026 should both parties agree to extend the contract.
Should the Brit succeed in capturing a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship during this period, there remains a strong possibility he might choose to retire on a high.
At Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton will reportedly benefit from having his preferred side of the garage, a setup that could potentially help him perform at a higher level.
Despite these factors, former Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi shared a bold perspective during an interview with Motorsport Brasil’s YouTube channel. Di Grassi made it clear that, were he in a position to choose Ferrari’s lineup, he would categorically avoid signing Hamilton. The Brazilian cited concerns over Lewis Hamilton’s cost and questioned whether his value as a driver justifies the significant investment Ferrari is making.
“I never would hire Hamilton for Ferrari if I were to get screwed. Firstly, it is expensive, it is very expensive and I think he is no longer in his prime. I would hire another driver who will reach the prime within Ferrari at the right time.” – pointed out the Brazilian racing driver, who competes in Formula E for Abt.
Why Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are primed to work well together at Ferrari
One of the key reasons Lewis Hamilton agreed to join Ferrari nearly a year ago was the strong relationship he shares with team principal Fred Vasseur, a figure who has played a pivotal role in his career.
Hamilton and Fred Vasseur’s history goes back to before the Briton even made his Formula 1 debut, and this long-standing bond could prove invaluable as Ferrari embarks on its 2025 campaign. Their mutual trust and understanding may offer Hamilton a smooth transition into his new team, enabling him to integrate quickly and focus on delivering results.
Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, also enjoys a positive relationship with Fred Vasseur, having worked together during his early career. This existing harmony between the drivers and their team boss is a major asset as Ferrari look to mount a serious challenge in 2025. All three share a common goal: stopping McLaren from reclaiming the Constructors’ Championship and dethroning Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings.
The fact that Ferrari ended the season with one of the most competitive cars on the grid provides a solid foundation to build on. However, the team will need to work relentlessly over the winter break to ensure they are fully prepared for the Australian Grand Prix, where the 2025 season kicks off.
If Ferrari fail to hit the ground running, they risk repeating the pitfalls of the past season, where early struggles severely hampered their championship hopes. Falling behind at the start of the year could derail their ambitions before they’ve even begun, something neither Ferrari nor Hamilton can afford while he’s in the cockpit. Time will be of the essence, and every effort must be made to capitalize on Hamilton’s arrival to maximize their chances of success.
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